1 Corinthians 16:18 kjv
For they have refreshed my spirit and your's: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
1 Corinthians 16:18 nkjv
For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
1 Corinthians 16:18 niv
For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.
1 Corinthians 16:18 esv
for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
1 Corinthians 16:18 nlt
They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
1 Corinthians 16 18 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 16:16 | that you also submit yourselves to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work and labors with them. | Submitting to spiritual leadership |
| Phil 2:29 | So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men; | Honoring faithful workers |
| Rom 16:1 | I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchreae, | Commending church servants |
| Rom 16:2 | that you receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may need from you; for she herself has also been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. | Acts of service and support |
| Gal 6:6 | Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who instructs. | Sharing spiritual blessings |
| 1 Thess 5:12-13 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. | Esteem and respect for leaders |
| 3 John 1:5-8 | Beloved, it is a faithful work that you are doing in the lives of the brothers, especially as they are strangers to you. They testify to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they were sent out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the pagans. Therefore you ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers with the truth. | Supporting those sent out |
| Acts 18:24-26 | Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And he spoke with fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more thoroughly. | Explaining the Word accurately |
| Phil 4:17 | Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that increases to your account. | Seeking spiritual profit |
| 2 Cor 12:14 | For this is the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek what is yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up treasures for their parents, but parents for their children. | Not being burdensome |
| Acts 17:10-14 | The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea, and when they arrived they went into the Jewish synagogue. These Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Many of them therefore believed, and among the women of high standing and among the men, not a few. | Noble character in receiving the Word |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in the same mind and the same judgment. | Unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 3:5-9 | What then is Apollos? What Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building. | Co-workers in God's work |
| 1 Cor 11:2 | Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions, even as I delivered them to you. | Holding to traditions |
| 1 Thess 3:6 | But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and of your remembering us always, wanting to see us, just as we also want to see you— | Good news of faith and love |
| 2 Tim 1:4 | as I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. | Longing to see believers |
| Col 4:11 | and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have become a comfort to me. | Comfort from fellow workers |
| Phil 1:3-5 | I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. | Partnership in the gospel |
| Rom 16:3-4 | Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but all the churches of Gentiles also give thanks. | Fellow workers in Christ Jesus |
1 Corinthians 16 verses
1 Corinthians 16 18 Meaning
The verse signifies the personal commendation and affection of the Apostle Paul towards certain individuals in the Corinthian church who had contributed to the spiritual well-being and support of the Corinthian believers. It highlights their dedication and the mutual joy experienced by both Paul and these faithful men.
1 Corinthians 16 18 Context
This verse concludes chapter 16 of 1 Corinthians, which deals with practical instructions regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, personal greetings, and the final blessing. In this specific context, Paul is praising individuals who have demonstrated spiritual vitality and commitment. He is expressing his personal joy and commendation for their efforts and spirit. The preceding verses discuss the continuation of Paul's ministry, his anticipation of visiting Corinth, and his sending of Timothy. The overall tone of this closing section is one of affection and spiritual connection within the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 16 18 Word analysis
- For (Gk. gar) - A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation. Paul explains why he rejoices in the presence of these men.
- Gaius (Gk. Gaios) - A common Roman cognomen. In the context of 1 Corinthians, this is likely the same Gaius mentioned in Romans 16:23, who was a host to Paul and the entire church. His hospitality and spiritual character are highlighted.
- My (Gk. mou) - Possessive pronoun, indicating Paul’s personal ownership of this joy and relationship.
- Host (Gk. philoxenou) - Derived from philos (love) and xenos (stranger/guest). It signifies someone who loves and generously welcomes strangers or guests, a significant trait in hospitality.
- And (Gk. kai) - Conjunction connecting "Gaius" and the subsequent description of hospitality.
- Of the (Gk. pasēs) - "All" or "every." It emphasizes the comprehensiveness of the hospitality extended by Gaius.
- Church (Gk. ekklēsias) - The assembly of believers. Gaius's hospitality extended to the entire body of believers.
- To me (Gk. emou) - Again, emphasizes Paul's personal experience and benefit.
- Themselves (Gk. heautōn) - Reflexive pronoun. Gaius willingly offered his home and resources to all believers.
- And (Gk. kai) - Connects Gaius's hospitality to the second group of individuals.
- For (Gk. gar) - Introducing the reason for Paul's comfort.
- I (Gk. ego) - Emphasizes Paul's personal perception and benefit.
- Comfort (Gk. parēgorian) - Derived from para (beside) and agoráō (to speak, proclaim). It implies words spoken beside someone to console or encourage them, offering solace and refreshment.
- Your (Gk. hymōn) - Refers to the Corinthian believers, linking their actions to the comfort received by Paul through these individuals.
- Spirits (Gk. pneumata) - Can refer to their inner disposition, emotional state, or the spiritual gifts they exercised. It speaks to their overall spiritual health and contribution.
- And (Gk. kai) - Connects "spirits" with the subsequent statement about their contribution.
- Achaicus (Gk. Achaikos) - Greek name meaning "belonging to Achaia," the Roman province where Corinth was located. He is identified as a believer who labored among the Corinthians, contributing to their spiritual well-being.
- Fortunatus (Gk. Phourtounatos) - Roman cognomen meaning "lucky" or "fortunate." This individual, along with Achaicus, actively ministered to the Corinthians.
1 Corinthians 16 18 Bonus section
The names Gaius, Fortunatus, and Achaicus represent individuals who played vital roles in the early church's life and ministry, illustrating that foundational Christian work often involves acts of kindness, hospitality, and personal encouragement, not always dramatic public displays. Their commendation by Paul underscores the importance the Apostle placed on these character qualities and the impact such faithful individuals had on the ministry of others, like himself. The term "spirits" (pneumata) here likely encompasses not just their emotional state but their active spiritual presence and encouragement within the church, echoing the broader New Testament theme of the Holy Spirit's enablement and the manifestation of spiritual gifts that build up the body of Christ.
1 Corinthians 16 18 Commentary
Paul expresses his personal appreciation for Gaius, who is depicted as a generous host not only to Paul but to the entire church. This demonstrates a strong spirit of hospitality and selfless service. He also commends Fortunatus and Achaicus, highlighting their efforts to minister and refresh the Corinthian believers. Their actions brought Paul great comfort, indicating they were instrumental in supporting and encouraging the community. These individuals embody the fruit of faith through their practical love and diligent labor in the Lord, serving as examples of selfless ministry within the church.